Donetsk rallies for rebels as Ukraine celebrates Independence Day

Residents of rebel-held Donetsk are standing their ground.
This sign reads "We can't be defeated. Donbass will not break."
It's one of many signs here supporting the pro-Russian rebels and defying Kiev on Ukraine's Independence Day.
The city and many others in eastern Ukraine remain locked in an uneasy ceasefire with the Kiev after a year of conflict that's killed more than 6,500 people.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) DONETSK RESIDENT, NINA, SAYING:
"We want them to understand that we, Donbass, are united. We are a united republic already. And we value our people, our children. And they must keep their hands off our republic."
The conflict began when a pro-Moscow president was overthrown in Kiev, prompting Russia to annex Crimea.
When rebels took up arms here, they found support in Donetsk that's not going away anytime soon.